Health warning issued as air pollution surges to highest level - all the areas affected

Defra says air pollution is at its highest levels in North and North East Lincolnshire (Image: Getty)

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A health alert has today been issued across North and North East Lincolnshire after air pollution levels surged to their highest level.

Areas around Scunthorpe are currently at the maximum Level 10 on the official government scale which is described as “Very High”.

The warning extends across North East Lincolnshire with Grimsby and Cleethorpes at Level 9.

The Government department Defra said local and ‘continental’ pollution was to blame for the surge in pollution which is expected to last throughout Thursday.

Defra has also issued health advice for people in the area.

Defra warnings of air pollution in the region on Thursday, February 28. Purple and brown markers indicate the highest levels (Image: Defra)

For areas covered by level 10, it advises: ‘Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems, and older people, should avoid strenuous physical activity. People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often.”

It recommends: ‘Reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if you experience symptoms such as cough or sore throat.’

For level 9 it says adult and children with the same issues “should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors, and particularly if they experience symptoms.”

The warning from Defra says: “At time of issue, localised High levels of air pollution are being observed in some urban centres of England and Wales, with more widespread areas of Moderate levels elsewhere across the UK.

“This is due to a mixture of locally generated, and also continental sources, along with light winds. Through Thursday, these levels are signalled to ease across much of the country with Low levels developing. However across parts of Northern and Eastern England, widespread Moderate to High levels are expected to persist, with a chance of locally Very High levels developing.”